Difference between revisions of "KV-1E"

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{{About
+
{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_kv_1e}}
| about = gift Soviet heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other versions
 
| link = KV-1 (Family)
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=ussr_kv_1e
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
+
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
In 1940, a new variant of the venerable KV-1 heavy tank appeared on the frontlines of the Eastern front. This new KV had ditched its older, weak L-11 cannon in favour of a F-32 gun, similar to those found on the T-34s of the time. However, the biggest upgrade was its add-on armour. By riveting large steel plates to the hull's weakspots and the turret faces, the KV-1 suddenly became almost impenetrable to its enemies, with the German army having to call in air support or heavy towed 88 mm field guns every time one of these 1940 model KVs was encountered.
+
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
+
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced as a [[wt:en/news/668--en|premium pack]] in [[Update_1.41#19.06.2014_-_1.41.27.12|Update 1.41.27]]. The KV-1E is characterized by its strong armour and decent mobility (for a heavy tank). As such, it can be quite the tough nut to crack for most opponents that it can face. The vehicle is best played aggressively, relying on its good armour to get close to the enemy, as its gun does not have the best penetration at range.
+
The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a gift Rank {{specs|rank}} Soviet heavy tank {{Battle-rating|4}}. It was introduced in Update 1.41.27. It's basis is that of the [[KV-1 (L-11)|original KV-1 model]], but up-armoured with bolted appliqué armour on the front and side of the hull and turret.  
  
The KV-1E was removed after the [[wt:en/news/5232-shop-winter-sales-special-bundle-and-gift-certificates-en|2018 Winter sale]]. It has since been made available for purchase in-game for Golden Eagles ({{GE}}) for specific Soviet/Russian mini-events like the "Defender of the Fatherland" and "Tankers' Day" in [[wt:en/news/6048-event-defender-of-the-fatherland-en|2019]], [[wt:en/news/6862-special-happy-tankers-day-en|2020]], [[wt:en/news/7054-event-defender-of-the-fatherland-en|2021]] [[wt:en/news/7333-special-happy-tankers-day-en|(twice)]], [[wt:en/news/7568-special-esport-defender-tournament-and-gaijin-store-sale-en|2022]], [[wt:ru/news/16127-akciya-kibersport-magazin-den-sozdaniya-rkka-ru|2023]], and [[wt:en/news/8754-esport-special-defender-of-the-fatherland-tournaments-a-decal-decoration-and-vehicles-for-golden-eagles-en|2024]].
+
In game this tank possesses great armour and a mostly adequate gun, however it sometimes will not be able to destroy an enemy from the front and will require very close distance or a flank shot. The defining characteristic of this tank is its armour and it can be a tough tank to kill, most of the weak spots from its predecessors have been armoured and the only frontal weak spot is the center of the upper hull. When using this tank do not be afraid to advance towards the enemy, especially against tanks such as the 75mm M4s and T-34s since they will find it very difficult to penetrate your armour. This tank can also be used for long range support since when the armour is properly angled almost no tank that it faces can pierce its armour.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
+
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpfull for survival in combat?''
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
+
 
 +
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
  
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Cast homogeneous armour (Barrel shroud)
+
* Cast homogeneous armour (Barrel shroud,
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
Line 38: Line 31:
  
 
* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick.
* Roof armour is quite excellent. 30-40 mm is nothing to ignore, even for heavy fighters. Although some aircraft might still pierce it, it will reliably protect from most aircraft cannons. More importantly, it makes the vehicle quite resilient against rocket strikes from vehicles such as the [[Calliope]].
+
* Roof armour is quite excellent. 30 - 40 mm is nothing to ignore, even for heavy fighters. It will reliably protect from most autocannons. Although aircraft with good dive-ability and +30mm arms may still pierce it. More importantly it makes the vehicle quite resilient against rocket strikes from vehicles such as the [[Calliope]].
* The lower glacis, unlike most other tanks, is not a weak spot! it is including your own turrets height significantly better angled than the upper frontal plate. Further, neither the MG port nor the drivers view slit are weak points. Discard them as targets if aiming for them.
+
* The lower glacies, unlike most other tanks, is not a weakspot! it is including your own turrets height significantly better angled than the upper frontal plate. Further neither the MG port, nor the drivers view slit are weakpoints. Discard them as targets if aiming for them.
* Gun mantlet is an extra 75 mm bolted on to the turret, with some parts with an extra 90 mm added instead. This results in a spaced overlapped part with ~150 mm. Only the cheeks left and right of the mantlet bulges should be shot! However, these areas are quite small and easily missed, if the turret is traversed.
+
* Gun mantlet is an extra 75 mm bolted on to the turret, with some parts with an extra 90 mm added instead. This results in an spaced overlapped part with ~150 mm. Only the cheeks left and right of the mantlet bulges should be shot! However, these areas are quite small and easily missed, if the turret is traversed.
 
* Extra armour indicated by the addition to the armour is not placed all over the tank, thus revealing some weaker areas on the front hull and sides.
 
* Extra armour indicated by the addition to the armour is not placed all over the tank, thus revealing some weaker areas on the front hull and sides.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
+
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
+
|-
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 775|rbMinHp= 531}}
+
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
 
+
|-
=== Modifications and economy ===
+
! Weight (tons)
{{Specs-Economy}}
+
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armour<br>weight (tons)
 +
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan="2" | 49.0 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 36 (AB)
 +
|-
 +
|34 (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|775
 +
|954
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|531
 +
|600
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|15.82
 +
|19.47
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|10.84
 +
|12.24
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
+
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
 
{{main|F-32 (76 mm)}}
 
{{main|F-32 (76 mm)}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | [[F-32 (76 mm)|76 mm F-32]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="3" | 111 || -5°/+25° || ±180° || N/A
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 +
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 +
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 +
|-
 +
| ''Arcade'' || 7.1 || 9.9 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | [[F-32 (76 mm)|76 mm F-32]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
| ''Realistic'' || 7.1 || 8.4 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 
|-
 
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
+
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
 
|-
 
|-
! ''Arcade''
+
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
| rowspan="2" | 111 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+25° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 9.7 || 13.4 || 16.3 || 18.0 || 19.2 || rowspan="2" | 8.19 || rowspan="2" | 7.25 || rowspan="2" | 6.68 || rowspan="2" | 6.30
+
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
! ''Realistic''
+
| 8.1 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
| 7.1 || 8.4 || 10.2 || 11.3 || 12.0
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
==== Ammunition ====
+
===== Ammunition =====
{{:F-32 (76 mm)/Ammunition|BR-350A (MD-5 fuze), BR-350B (MD-8 fuze), OF-350M, Sh-354T, D-350A}}
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 +
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
 +
|-
 +
! 10m
 +
! 100m
 +
! 500m
 +
! 1000m
 +
! 1500m
 +
! 2000m
 +
|-
 +
| BR-350A || APHEBC || 73 || 71 || 65 || 57 || 51 || 45
 +
|-
 +
| BR-350B || APHEBC || 77 || 76 || 69 || 61 || 54 || 48
 +
|-
 +
| OF-350M || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9
 +
|-
 +
| Sh-354T || Shrapnel || 37 || 35 || 29 || 25 || 20 || 17
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 +
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 +
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 +
''in m:''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 +
''in mm:''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 +
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 +
|-
 +
! 0%
 +
! 50%
 +
! 100%
 +
|-
 +
| BR-350A || APHEBC || 615 || 6.3 || 0.15 || 10.0 || 150 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 +
|-
 +
| BR-350B || APHEBC || 615 || 6.8 || 0.9 || 15 || 108.8 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 +
|-  
 +
| OF-350M || 615 || 6.2 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 621 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 +
|-
 +
| Sh-354T || Shrapnel || 615 || 6.2 || 0.5 || 8.0 || 85 || +0° || 62° || 69° || 73°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 +
! colspan="7" | Smoke characteristic
 +
|-
 +
! Ammunition
 +
! Velocity <br /> in m/s
 +
! Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 +
! ''Screen radius <br /> in m''
 +
! ''Screen time <br /> in s''
 +
! ''Screen hold time <br /> in s:''
 +
! ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 +
|-
 +
| D-350A || 615 || 6.5 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
[[File:Ammoracks_KV-1_(L-11).png|right|thumbnail|x250px|Ammo racks of the KV-1 (L-11) (identical to {{PAGENAME}}).]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_KV-1(L-11).png|right|thumbnail|x250px|Ammo racks of the KV-1 L-11]]
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.0.61''' -->
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
 
|-
 
|-
! Full<br>ammo
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
! 1st<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
! 2nd<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
! 3rd<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br /> rack empty
! 4th<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br /> rack empty
! Visual<br>discrepancy
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
| '''111''' || 107&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 102&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 79&nbsp;''(+32)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+110)'' || No
+
| '''111''' || 107&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 102&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 82&nbsp;''(+29)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+110)'' || style="text-align:center" | Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
'''Notes''':
 
  
* Racks are modeled by sets of 5 shells (+ 1 set of 3 & 2 sets of 4) and sets disappear from the rack once all shells in the set have been loaded/fired.
+
Turret empty: 102&nbsp;''(+9)''
* Turret empty: 102&nbsp;''(+9)'' shells.
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
+
<!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''-->
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
 
{{main|DT (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|DT (7.62 mm)}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[DT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DT]]
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | [[DT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DT]]
+
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 
|-
 
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
+
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
|-
 
|-
| Coaxial || 3,024 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+
| colspan="4" | 1,890 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
The small calibre of the DT machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help. The clip capacity of the machine gun is quite poor, as it relies on a magazine of 63 bullets instead of a belt like similar machine guns from other nations.
 
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
 
In game, this tank is possesses great armour and an adequate gun. However, it may not be able to destroy the enemy from the front at times. As such, the tank may require being at a very close distance or a flank shot to disable certain targets. The defining characteristic of this tank is its armour. It can be a tough tank to destroy, given that most of the weak spots from the predecessor have been armoured and, from the front, the only weak spot is the centre of the upper hull. When using this tank, do not be afraid to advance towards the enemy, especially against tanks such as the 75 mm M4s and T-34s since they will find it very difficult to penetrate your thick armour. This tank can also be used for long-range support, since when the armour is properly angled, almost no tank that it faces can pierce its armour.
 
 
The KV-1E's frontal turret protection is not as reliable as its other uparmoured locations. As such, it may be a good idea to angle the turret along with the hull when not firing at the enemy.
 
 
=== Combat tactics ===
 
 
;Urban environment
 
 
Urban areas tend to result in very close range engagements. At this range, the armour of this tank can no longer offer the degree of protection that it does at range. With this being said, urban can also present nice medium range opportunities, such as open-air squares and long streets in which this tank can utilise its armour. Urban fighting presents the largest challenge for this tank, as close range flank shots can easily pierce its mighty armour. As such, here are some tactics to use in a city setting:
 
 
* Hold down a street - set up in a way that minimizes the chance to be flanked while allowing for the largest angle fire. This will allow the KV-1E to fire at the enemy while minimizing the chance of getting knocked out by a close-range flank shot
 
* Move with a group of tanks - try to stay in the middle of a group as this will minimize the chances of a close-range flank shot. At this range, the cannon of the tank can penetrate most tanks and has a decent rate of fire, allowing it to quickly engage multiple targets.
 
* Never blindly drive through an intersection - always check both ways before crossing, as this presents the largest opportunity for danger for this tank.
 
 
;Open country
 
 
The armour of this tank allows it to engage in the long-range fighting that defines an open country. However, the gun on this tank does not allow it to engage targets at range. This means that in while playing in open country, it is a good idea to get into a good overwatch position or to charge the enemy until the KV-1E is capable of engaging at the optimal range for the 76 mm weapon. While the armour on this tank is among the best for the enemies it faces, there are still certain tanks to worry about. The main tanks to work about are those with the American 76 mm, German 75 mm L/48, Soviet 57 mm and 85 mm, and of course all the large calibre guns such as the KV-2. These weapons are capable of piercing through the KV-1B armour at range, though this requires a lucky hit on an un-angled plate. Here are some tips when fighting in open country:
 
 
* Always angle the tank - the unangled armour is good, but it is nearly impossible to pierce when properly angled.
 
* Don't be afraid to expose the tank - use the armour to give a degree of freedom in finding the targets.
 
* Advance - take the point or lead the charge, the KV-1B has the armour to break through enemy lines.
 
  
;Hill country
+
== Usage in the battles ==
 +
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:100%">
 +
'''Urban environment'''<br>
 +
Urban areas tend to result in very close range engagements and at this range this tanks armour can no longer offer the degree of protection that is does at range. With this being said urban can also present nice medium range opportunists such as open air squares and long streets in which this tank can use its armour.
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
 +
Urban fighting presents the largest challenge for this tank as close range flank shots can easily pierce its mighty armour, as such here are some tactics to use in a city setting.
  
This is the type of terrain that this tank excels in. The average range of engagements allows for both the armour and gun to shine. This type of terrain also makes flanking hard, since going over a hill exposes a tank to fire from multiple directions. Even with this, don't forget to check your surroundings. Here are some tips and tactics for fighting in this environment:
+
* Hold down a street - set yourself up in away that minimizes the chance to be flanked while allowing for the largest angle fire. This will allow you to fire at the enemy while minimizing the chance of getting knocked out by a close range flank shot
 +
* Move with a group of tanks - try to stay in the middle of a group as this will minimize the chances of a close range flank shot. At this range the tanks cannon can penetrate most tanks and has a decent rate of fire, allowing it to quickly engage multiple target.
 +
* Never blindly drive through a intersection - always check both ways before crossing as this presents the largest area of danger for this tank.
 +
</div></div>
  
* Move through the area between hills - this will allow a degree of control on where the enemy will come from and angle the armour in accordance.
+
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:100%">
** Going over large hills can be dangerous as it exposes the KV-1B to fire from all directions and also exposes the bottom of the tank to fire.
+
'''Open country'''<br>
* Check your surroundings - while it is dangerous to go over hills, many newer player will attempt to do this and will sometimes manage to flank the tank.
+
The armour of this tank allows it to engage in the long range fighting that defines open country. However the gun on this tank does not allow it engage targets at range. this means that in open country it is a good idea to get into a good over watch position or to charge the enemy until you are capable of engaging at optimal rage for you weapon.
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
 +
While the armour on this tank is among the best for the enemies it faces, you will have to worry about certain tanks. The main tanks to work about is tanks with the american 76, german 75mm L48, russian 57mm and 85mm, and of course all the large caliber guns such as the [[KV-2 (1939)|KV-2]]. These weapons are capable of piercing your armour at range, however this requires a lucky hit and for you to be un-angled. Here are some tips when fighting in open country.
  
;Long range
+
* Always angle your tank - un-angled your armour is good angles it is almost impossible to pierce
 +
* Don't be afraid to expose your self - use your armour to allow you to find the target that you can damage with you gun
 +
* Advance - take the point or lead the charge you have the armour to breakthrough enemy lines
 +
</div></div>
  
This tank does not excel here due to the low penetration of the gun. However, the armour of this tank makes it almost invulnerable to enemy fire at long ranges. Due to this, it is possible to safely attack enemies with little fear of penetrating return fire. Just remember to properly angle the tank in order to maximize its armour. While long range combat is not the best option for this tank, it can use its armour to sit in positions that no other tank could do safely. When using this tank from long range, the first piece of advice would be to close in on the enemy, though this is sometimes not possible. When one finds that long-range combat is necessary or is a preferred strategy, one can place this tank in a highly visible position to draw enemy fire. This will allow teammates to find the enemy and eliminate them. This will also allow for one to choose their target, since its gun necessitates shooting at weakly armoured targets or the sides and rear of tanks.
+
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:100%">
 +
'''Hill country '''<br>
 +
this is the type of terrain that this tank excels in. The average range of engagements allows for both your armour and gun to shine. The terrain also makes flanking hard since going over a hill exposes a tank to fire from multiple directions, but still don't forget to check your surroundings
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
 +
here are some tips and tactics for fighting in this environment
  
;Medium range
+
* In this type of environment move through the area between hills - this will allow you to control where the enemy will come from and angle your armour in accordance
 +
* Going over large hills can be dangerous as it exposes you to fire from all directions and also exposes the bottom of the tank to fire
 +
* check your surrounding - while is dangerous many newer player will attempt to do this and will sometimes manage to flank you.
 +
</div></div>
  
This tank excels in medium range combat due to great armour. Many tanks it faces will find penetrating this tank almost impossible even from the side due to the additional armour.
+
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:100%">
 +
'''long range'''<br>
 +
This tank does not excel due to the low penetration of the gun however this tanks armour makes it almost invulnerable to enemy fire at long ranges. Due to this it is possible to safely attack enemies with little fear of return fire, just remember to properly angle the tank in order to maximizes its armour
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
 +
While long range combat is not the best option for this tank it can use its armour to sit in positions that no other tank could do safely. When using this tank from long range the first advice would be to close in on the enemy however this is sometime not possible. When one finds that long range combat is necessary or is a preferred strategy, one can use place this tank in a highly visible position to draw enemy fire. This will allow teammates to find the enemy and eliminate them, it also allows for this tank to choose its target since its gun necessitates shooting at weakly armoured targets or the sides and rear of tanks.
 +
</div></div>
  
;Close range
+
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:100%">
 +
'''Medium range'''<br>
 +
This tank excels in medium range combat due to great armour. Many tanks it faces will find penetrating this tank almost impossible even from the side, due to the additional armour.
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
 +
''please add detailed information about how to use this tank in this situation ''
 +
</div></div>
  
This tank does not excel here due to bad mobility, and the greatest strength of this tank, its great armour, is no longer as potent.
+
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:100%">
 +
'''Close range'''<br>
 +
this tank does not excels due to bad mobility, and at this range the greatest strength of this tank, its great armour, is no longer as potent.  
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
 +
''please add detailed information about how to use this tank in this situation ''
 +
</div></div>
  
=== Enemies worth noting ===
+
Generally it is a good idea to avoid engaging the enemy armoured vehicles mentioned below frontally if possible, as they can reliably harm you and vice versa.
Generally, it is a good idea to avoid engaging the enemy armoured vehicles mentioned below frontally if possible, as they can reliably harm you and vice versa.
 
  
* - '''[[Pz.IV F2]] / [[Pz.IV G|G]] / [[Pz.IV H|H]] / [[Pz.IV J|J]]''' - Their long cannons have lethal penetrations at short ranges. Shoot their turret or hull side. Frontal hull is not recommended since they can equip add-on armour and/or spare tracks, increasing the thickness up to 100 mm.
+
* - '''[[Pz.IV F2]]/[[Pz.IV G|G]]/[[Pz.IV H|H]]/[[Pz.IV J|J]]''' - Lethal at short ranges, shoot first.
* - '''[[M4A3E2]] Jumbo / [[M4A3E2 (France)]]''' - Shoot at sides/rear, commander cupola or Hull MG.
+
* - '''[[M4A3E2|M4A3E2 Jumbo]]''' - Shoot at sides/rear or the armour weak spot above the gun-mantlet or Hull MG.
* - '''[[T14]]''' - Shoot at the hull MG port, turret ring, or lower side hull. Its 75 mm gun has great depression angles, is vertically stabilised, and has around 100 mm penetration at close range, giving it a fair chance to shoot first and even penetrate the KV-1E's weakspots.
+
* - '''[[T14]]''' - Shoot at the hull MG port + sides/rear.
* - '''[[Churchill III]] / [[Churchill VII]]''' - Target their hull at the MG port, hull sides when facing vertically, or rear. Or you can take your time and destroy their gun barrels and tracks, their cannons can only fire solid shots with relativlely poor pentration, thus they will have a hard time disabling your crew.
+
* - '''[[Churchill Mk III|Churchill MK. III]]/[[Churchill Mk VII|MK. VII]]''' - Hull at the MG port + sides/rear.
* - '''[[ARL-44 (ACL-1)]]''' - Target their front sprocket wheels when their hull are facing straight at you. The shot will go through the sprocket and penetrate a weakly protected "box" behind it which is connected to the hull, sending its shrapnels to the crew inside the hull. Or, shoot its sides/rear whenver possible. Do not shoot at its upper front plate.
+
* - '''[[ARL-44]]''' - Difficult to engage frontally, shoot sides/rear.
* - '''Tanks destroyers''' in general - Vehicles like the [[Dicker Max]], [[Sturer Emil]], [[Breda 501]], [[8,8 cm Flak 37 Sfl.|8,8 cm Flak 37 sfl]]., etc all have high penetration and large explosive fillers, allowing them to critically damage the KV-1E at a distance/angle where other tanks cannot. Morever they tend to have other qualities such as great gun depression, high-zoom gunsight, high speed, allowing them to ambush the KV-1E from far away or in an unexpected flank. Thus, if you know the presence of a tank destroyer near by, target them first. If not, be careful and watch out for suspecious bushes and corners.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
 
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Heavily armoured for its battle rating, can easily bounce off shells from common foes like [[M4A1]]
+
* Great armour protection on all sides.
* Acceleration is good on flat terrain
+
* Weak spots like the flat sides are much better protected.
* Crew of five brings high survivability, especially against British solid shells
+
* Acceleration is good on flat terrain.
* Gun does a lot of post penetration damage. Can one shot compact tanks like [[T-34 (Family)|T-34]]
+
* Angling your hull makes the frontal armour immune to most guns it faces.
 +
* Gun does a lot of damage upon penetration.
 +
* Heavily armoured for a Rank II tank, even compared to [[KV-1 (L-11)|original KV-1]].
 +
* Crew of five allow for higher survivability.
 +
* Reload rate is decent for the cannon.
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Some other tank (destroyer)s are able to easily penetrate its armour, such as [[Dicker Max]]
+
* Poor overall top speed.
* Lacklusture mobility: poor top speed, decreases speed dramatically in a turn or climbing hills
+
* Additional weight hampers the tanks already poor performance.
* Large exposed gun breech, very vulnerable to damage
+
* F-32 gun is same as L-11 in penetration, very bad for dealing with other vehicles it may face.
* Large fuel tanks lined up on the side
+
* Slow turret traverse, if you need to change target quickly you must rotate both the turret and the hull.
* The 76 mm F-32 gun struggles against some tanks like the [[M4A2]], [[T-34 (Family)|T-34]]
+
* Making turns will decrease your speed dramatically.
* Slow turret traverse: if you need to face another direction quickly you must rotate both the turret and the hull
+
* Climbing hills is very sluggish for the tank.
 +
* Can encounter other armoured fighting vehicles that are able to easily penetrate its armour, such as the [[Pz.IV F2|Panzer IV F2]].
 +
* Large fuel tanks lined up on the side.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
+
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
 
The start of the KV-1 heavy tanks began after the heavy tank [[T-35]] flaws came to light. Designers were ordered to draw up new designs to become the basis of a breakthrough heavy tank needed for the Soviet doctrine. This made for a tank that was heavily armoured, but not very mobile as it was to be for siege warfare. The designs offered all had heavy armour, wide tracks, and used the torsion-bar suspension. The designs were the [[SMK]], T-100, and what would be the '''KV tank''', which was named after the then Soviet Defense Commissar '''K'''liment '''V'''oroshilov.
 
The start of the KV-1 heavy tanks began after the heavy tank [[T-35]] flaws came to light. Designers were ordered to draw up new designs to become the basis of a breakthrough heavy tank needed for the Soviet doctrine. This made for a tank that was heavily armoured, but not very mobile as it was to be for siege warfare. The designs offered all had heavy armour, wide tracks, and used the torsion-bar suspension. The designs were the [[SMK]], T-100, and what would be the '''KV tank''', which was named after the then Soviet Defense Commissar '''K'''liment '''V'''oroshilov.
  
During the developmental progress, the prototypes of all these heavy tanks were made and the Winter War with Finland was on its way. The Soviets sent these tanks into Finland for combat testing, to which the KV design outperform in every way with its superior armour and firepower. The armour on the KV tank was impenetrable by any tank cannon in service and most anti-tank guns as well, the 76.2 cannon also gave it a huge firepower boost compared to the usual 37 mm in use by other countries. However, the design was found to be difficult to steer, the transmission was unreliable, ergonomics was poor and vision was limited, plus with its 45-ton weight, it was a very heavy tank for its time. In truth, while formidable in power and protection, courageous crew member willing to curse the name would speak out about the trouble the KV tank really was. The main variant of production before World War II broke out was the KV-1 model.
+
During the developmental progress, the prototypes of all these heavy tanks were made and the Winter War with Finland was on its way. The Soviets sent these tanks into Finland for combat testing, to which the KV design outperform in every way with its superior armour and firepower. The armour on the KV tank was impenetrable by an tank cannon in service and most anti-tank guns as well, the 76.2 cannon also gave it a huge firepower boost compared to the usual 37 mm in use by other countries. However, the design was found to be difficult to steer, the transmission was unreliable, ergonomics was poor and vision was limited, plus with its 45 ton weight, it was a very heavy tank for its time. In truth, while formidable in power and protection, courageous crew member willing to curse the name would speak out about the trouble the KV tank really was. The main variant of production before World War II broke out was the '''KV-1''' model.
  
 
===KV-1E===
 
===KV-1E===
Line 203: Line 326:
 
===Survivors===
 
===Survivors===
 
Several KV-1s survive after the war, most as monuments, but also in museums. Only one genuine KV-1 was restored to running condition in Russia after it was found in the bottom of the Neva River. One KV-1B can also be found at the Bovington Tank Museum at England.
 
Several KV-1s survive after the war, most as monuments, but also in museums. Only one genuine KV-1 was restored to running condition in Russia after it was found in the bottom of the Neva River. One KV-1B can also be found at the Bovington Tank Museum at England.
 
{{break}}
 
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
After receiving the first reports from the front about the heavy tanks' deployment in battle, the LKZ factory began to work on strengthening the KV's armour. The only weapon capable of penetrating the Soviet tank's frontal armour was the 88 mm 8.8 Flak 18 anti-aircraft cannon. Its anti-aircraft rounds, even without an armour-piercing steel core, had an 810 m/s muzzle velocity and could penetrate an 80 mm thick armour plate set at a 30 degree angle from a range of 1,000 metres. As a rule, it disabled the KV-1 with 2-3 hits to its turret and hull.
 
 
Specialists at the Leningrad Kirovsk factory developed a simple but effective up-armouring design previously used on the T-28 tank. The tank's turret and hull sides were fitted with 25 mm add-on armour plates, increasing the overall armour width to 100 mm. Furthermore, a small gap was left between the turret and the add-on armour. This improved the tank's defences when under fire from shaped high explosive shells. These modifications increased the tank's combat-loaded weight to 50 tonnes. Tanks modified in such a way could be discerned by the huge heads of the bolts used to attach the add-on armour plates.
 
 
The main bulk of these up-armoured tanks was sent to the Northwestern and Leningrad fronts. Some of these tanks were captured intact and used by German forces.
 
The stationary nature of combat encounters did not allow the KV to truly come into its own. Apart from that, tank units constantly complained about the vehicle's high weight, which didn't just lead to technical problems. All it took was a few KV tanks driving along a road to make it difficult to negotiate for other vehicles, even tracked ones. The heavy tank's mobility on loose ground or boggy terrain was unsatisfactory.
 
{{Navigation-End}}
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
+
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
 
 
;Images
 
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 
File:ArtImage2 KV-1E.png|<small>The KV-1E with battle scars after a combat at [[Abandoned Factory]].</small>
 
</gallery>
 
 
 
;Skins
 
  
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_kv_1e Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
==References==
 +
<references />
  
;Videos
+
== Read also ==
{{Youtube-gallery|x7lBM-poxh0|'''Should You Buy: KV-1E''' - ''ConeOfArc''|KwF-bx-XDeA|'''EASTERN BLOC - KV-1E in War Thunder''' - ''OddBawZ''}}
+
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
  
== See also ==
 
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
  
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
+
''ETC.''
  
* [[Churchill III]]
+
== Sources ==
* [[ARL-44 (ACL-1)]]
+
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
  
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.'' -->
+
* ''other literature.''
 
 
* [[wt:en/news/792--en|[Historical] Zinovy Kolobanov's feat of arms]]
 
* [[wikipedia:Kliment_Voroshilov_tank|[Wikipedia] Kliment Voroshilov tank]]
 
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/soviet/soviet_KV-1.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> KV-1]
 
  
{{TankManufacturer Kirov}}
 
 
{{USSR heavy tanks}}
 
{{USSR heavy tanks}}
 
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}

Revision as of 21:23, 20 February 2019

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
KV-1E
ussr_kv_1e.png
KV-1E
AB RB SB
4.3 4.0 4.3
Show in game

Description

GarageImage KV-1E.jpg


The KV-1E is a gift Rank III Soviet heavy tank with a battle rating of 4.3 (AB/SB) and 4.0 (RB). It was introduced in Update 1.41.27. It's basis is that of the original KV-1 model, but up-armoured with bolted appliqué armour on the front and side of the hull and turret.

In game this tank possesses great armour and a mostly adequate gun, however it sometimes will not be able to destroy an enemy from the front and will require very close distance or a flank shot. The defining characteristic of this tank is its armour and it can be a tough tank to kill, most of the weak spots from its predecessors have been armoured and the only frontal weak spot is the center of the upper hull. When using this tank do not be afraid to advance towards the enemy, especially against tanks such as the 75mm M4s and T-34s since they will find it very difficult to penetrate your armour. This tank can also be used for long range support since when the armour is properly angled almost no tank that it faces can pierce its armour.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Barrel shroud,
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 75 + 25 mm (30-31°) Front plate
40 mm (72°) Front glacis
25 + 40-75 mm (7-71°) Joint plate
75 mm + 25 mm (26-51°) Lower glacis
75 + 25 mm 60 mm (13-89°) Top
70 mm (14-57°) Bottom
30 mm
Turret 75 + 30 mm (14°) Turret front
90 mm (0-62°) Gun mantlet shield
75 mm (4-36°) Gun mantlet
75 + 30 mm (14-15°) 75 mm (15-16°) 40 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick.
  • Roof armour is quite excellent. 30 - 40 mm is nothing to ignore, even for heavy fighters. It will reliably protect from most autocannons. Although aircraft with good dive-ability and +30mm arms may still pierce it. More importantly it makes the vehicle quite resilient against rocket strikes from vehicles such as the Calliope.
  • The lower glacies, unlike most other tanks, is not a weakspot! it is including your own turrets height significantly better angled than the upper frontal plate. Further neither the MG port, nor the drivers view slit are weakpoints. Discard them as targets if aiming for them.
  • Gun mantlet is an extra 75 mm bolted on to the turret, with some parts with an extra 90 mm added instead. This results in an spaced overlapped part with ~150 mm. Only the cheeks left and right of the mantlet bulges should be shot! However, these areas are quite small and easily missed, if the turret is traversed.
  • Extra armour indicated by the addition to the armour is not placed all over the tank, thus revealing some weaker areas on the front hull and sides.

Mobility

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armour
weight (tons)
Max speed (km/h)
49.0 N/A 36 (AB)
34 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 775 954
Realistic/Simulator 531 600
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 15.82 19.47
Realistic/Simulator 10.84 12.24

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: F-32 (76 mm)
76 mm F-32
Capacity Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
Stabilizer
111 -5°/+25° ±180° N/A
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 7.1 9.9 __.__ __.__ __.__
Realistic 7.1 8.4 __.__ __.__ __.__
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
8.1 __.__ __.__ __.__
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration in mm @ 90°
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
BR-350A APHEBC 73 71 65 57 51 45
BR-350B APHEBC 77 76 69 61 54 48
OF-350M HE 9 9 9 9 9 9
Sh-354T Shrapnel 37 35 29 25 20 17
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
in m/s
Projectile
Mass in kg
Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent):
Normalization At 30°
from horizontal:
Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
BR-350A APHEBC 615 6.3 0.15 10.0 150 +4° 48° 63° 71°
BR-350B APHEBC 615 6.8 0.9 15 108.8 +4° 48° 63° 71°
OF-350M 615 6.2 0.05 0.1 621 +0° 79° 80° 81°
Sh-354T Shrapnel 615 6.2 0.5 8.0 85 +0° 62° 69° 73°
Smoke characteristic
Ammunition Velocity
in m/s
Projectile
Mass in kg
Screen radius
in m
Screen time
in s
Screen hold time
in s:
Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent):
D-350A 615 6.5 13 5 20 50
Ammo racks
Ammo racks of the KV-1 L-11
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
111 107 (+4) 102 (+9) 82 (+29) (+110) Yes

Turret empty: 102 (+9)

Machine guns

Main article: DT (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm DT
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
1,890 (63) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in the battles

Urban environment
Urban areas tend to result in very close range engagements and at this range this tanks armour can no longer offer the degree of protection that is does at range. With this being said urban can also present nice medium range opportunists such as open air squares and long streets in which this tank can use its armour.

Urban fighting presents the largest challenge for this tank as close range flank shots can easily pierce its mighty armour, as such here are some tactics to use in a city setting.

  • Hold down a street - set yourself up in away that minimizes the chance to be flanked while allowing for the largest angle fire. This will allow you to fire at the enemy while minimizing the chance of getting knocked out by a close range flank shot
  • Move with a group of tanks - try to stay in the middle of a group as this will minimize the chances of a close range flank shot. At this range the tanks cannon can penetrate most tanks and has a decent rate of fire, allowing it to quickly engage multiple target.
  • Never blindly drive through a intersection - always check both ways before crossing as this presents the largest area of danger for this tank.

Open country
The armour of this tank allows it to engage in the long range fighting that defines open country. However the gun on this tank does not allow it engage targets at range. this means that in open country it is a good idea to get into a good over watch position or to charge the enemy until you are capable of engaging at optimal rage for you weapon.

While the armour on this tank is among the best for the enemies it faces, you will have to worry about certain tanks. The main tanks to work about is tanks with the american 76, german 75mm L48, russian 57mm and 85mm, and of course all the large caliber guns such as the KV-2. These weapons are capable of piercing your armour at range, however this requires a lucky hit and for you to be un-angled. Here are some tips when fighting in open country.

  • Always angle your tank - un-angled your armour is good angles it is almost impossible to pierce
  • Don't be afraid to expose your self - use your armour to allow you to find the target that you can damage with you gun
  • Advance - take the point or lead the charge you have the armour to breakthrough enemy lines

Hill country
this is the type of terrain that this tank excels in. The average range of engagements allows for both your armour and gun to shine. The terrain also makes flanking hard since going over a hill exposes a tank to fire from multiple directions, but still don't forget to check your surroundings

here are some tips and tactics for fighting in this environment

  • In this type of environment move through the area between hills - this will allow you to control where the enemy will come from and angle your armour in accordance
  • Going over large hills can be dangerous as it exposes you to fire from all directions and also exposes the bottom of the tank to fire
  • check your surrounding - while is dangerous many newer player will attempt to do this and will sometimes manage to flank you.

long range
This tank does not excel due to the low penetration of the gun however this tanks armour makes it almost invulnerable to enemy fire at long ranges. Due to this it is possible to safely attack enemies with little fear of return fire, just remember to properly angle the tank in order to maximizes its armour

While long range combat is not the best option for this tank it can use its armour to sit in positions that no other tank could do safely. When using this tank from long range the first advice would be to close in on the enemy however this is sometime not possible. When one finds that long range combat is necessary or is a preferred strategy, one can use place this tank in a highly visible position to draw enemy fire. This will allow teammates to find the enemy and eliminate them, it also allows for this tank to choose its target since its gun necessitates shooting at weakly armoured targets or the sides and rear of tanks.

Medium range
This tank excels in medium range combat due to great armour. Many tanks it faces will find penetrating this tank almost impossible even from the side, due to the additional armour.

please add detailed information about how to use this tank in this situation

Close range
this tank does not excels due to bad mobility, and at this range the greatest strength of this tank, its great armour, is no longer as potent.

please add detailed information about how to use this tank in this situation

Generally it is a good idea to avoid engaging the enemy armoured vehicles mentioned below frontally if possible, as they can reliably harm you and vice versa.

  • - Pz.IV F2/G/H/J - Lethal at short ranges, shoot first.
  • - M4A3E2 Jumbo - Shoot at sides/rear or the armour weak spot above the gun-mantlet or Hull MG.
  • - T14 - Shoot at the hull MG port + sides/rear.
  • - Churchill MK. III/MK. VII - Hull at the MG port + sides/rear.
  • - ARL-44 - Difficult to engage frontally, shoot sides/rear.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great armour protection on all sides.
  • Weak spots like the flat sides are much better protected.
  • Acceleration is good on flat terrain.
  • Angling your hull makes the frontal armour immune to most guns it faces.
  • Gun does a lot of damage upon penetration.
  • Heavily armoured for a Rank II tank, even compared to original KV-1.
  • Crew of five allow for higher survivability.
  • Reload rate is decent for the cannon.

Cons:

  • Poor overall top speed.
  • Additional weight hampers the tanks already poor performance.
  • F-32 gun is same as L-11 in penetration, very bad for dealing with other vehicles it may face.
  • Slow turret traverse, if you need to change target quickly you must rotate both the turret and the hull.
  • Making turns will decrease your speed dramatically.
  • Climbing hills is very sluggish for the tank.
  • Can encounter other armoured fighting vehicles that are able to easily penetrate its armour, such as the Panzer IV F2.
  • Large fuel tanks lined up on the side.

History

Development

The start of the KV-1 heavy tanks began after the heavy tank T-35 flaws came to light. Designers were ordered to draw up new designs to become the basis of a breakthrough heavy tank needed for the Soviet doctrine. This made for a tank that was heavily armoured, but not very mobile as it was to be for siege warfare. The designs offered all had heavy armour, wide tracks, and used the torsion-bar suspension. The designs were the SMK, T-100, and what would be the KV tank, which was named after the then Soviet Defense Commissar Kliment Voroshilov.

During the developmental progress, the prototypes of all these heavy tanks were made and the Winter War with Finland was on its way. The Soviets sent these tanks into Finland for combat testing, to which the KV design outperform in every way with its superior armour and firepower. The armour on the KV tank was impenetrable by an tank cannon in service and most anti-tank guns as well, the 76.2 cannon also gave it a huge firepower boost compared to the usual 37 mm in use by other countries. However, the design was found to be difficult to steer, the transmission was unreliable, ergonomics was poor and vision was limited, plus with its 45 ton weight, it was a very heavy tank for its time. In truth, while formidable in power and protection, courageous crew member willing to curse the name would speak out about the trouble the KV tank really was. The main variant of production before World War II broke out was the KV-1 model.

KV-1E

The initial production in 1939 had the KV-1 equipped with an L-11 cannon, this was upgraded to the F-32 in 1940. The Model 1940 production was the main KV-1 variant that was available during the German invasion in Operation Barbarossa. During the German invasion, it was found that the KV-1s, while invulnerable to even the German Panzer IIIs and Panzer IVs, was easily taken out by the German 88 mm FlaK cannon used in anti-tank roles. This caused the KV-1 production model to be up-armoured for increased survivability with applique armour bolted onto the tank. Though it varies on how much extra armour is bolted on, some KV-1s have overall armour width of 100 mm thick. These up-armoured Model 1940 KV-1s were called KV-1E, with "E" standing for "ekranami ", which means "with shields". This up-armouring of the tank caused the weight to be increased from its original 45 tons to 50 tons, further straining the drive system of the tank.

Combat usage

The main bulk of these up-armoured tanks was sent to the Northwestern and Leningrad fronts. Some of these tanks were captured intact and used by German forces against their former users. Nevertheless, the KV-1 continued to serve until the end of the war, though in dwindling numbers as they are lost due to mechanical failures or combat. Some 1941-built KV-1s still saw service in 1944 at the Leningrad front before being replaced by IS-2 tanks, then they saw service in Manchuria in 1945.

Survivors

Several KV-1s survive after the war, most as monuments, but also in museums. Only one genuine KV-1 was restored to running condition in Russia after it was found in the bottom of the Neva River. One KV-1B can also be found at the Bovington Tank Museum at England.

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

References


Read also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

ETC.

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


USSR heavy tanks
KV-1  KV-1 (L-11) · KV-1 (ZiS-5) · KV-1E · KV-1S
KV-2  KV-2 (1939) · KV-2 (1940) · KV-2 (ZiS-6) · KV-220
Other KVs  KV-85 · KV-122
IS-1/2  IS-1 · IS-2 · IS-2 (1944) · IS-2 No.321 · IS-2 "Revenge" · Object 248
Other IS tanks  IS-3 · IS-4M · IS-6 · IS-7
T-10  T-10A · T-10M
Multi-turreted  T-35 · SMK
Other  Object 279
Lend-Lease  ▂MK-II "Matilda"

USSR premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  BA-11 · RBT-5 · BT-7A (F-32) · T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-26E · T-126 · PT-76-57 · 2S38
Medium tanks  T-34 (Prototype) · T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-34E · T-34-57 (1943) · T-34-85E · T-34-100 · T-44-122 · TO-55 · T-55AM-1 · T-72AV (TURMS-T) · T-80UD
  ▂M3 Medium · ▂M4A2 · ▂T-III · ▂T-V · ▂МК-IX "Valentine"
Heavy tanks  SMK · T-35 · ▂MK-II "Matilda" · KV-1E · KV-2 (1940) · KV-2 (ZiS-6) · KV-122 · KV-220 · IS-2 "Revenge" · Object 248 · IS-6 · T-10A
Tank destroyers  BM-8-24 · BM-13N · BM-31-12
  SU-57 · SU-76D · SU-76M (5th Gv.Kav.Corps) · SU-85A · SU-100Y · SU-122P · Object 120
SPAA  ▂Phòng không T-34 · ZUT-37